One means of improving motorists' maintenance habits is through an annual campaign known as National Car Care Month.

Every October for the past 15 years, this project, coordinated by the Car Care Council, involves widespread support from government, consumer groups, and automotive industry associations and businesses.

Local groups join forces to plan and publicize National Car Care Month, announcing the times and places of free vehicle inspection lanes. Auto clubs, technical and automotive service establishments conduct the testing with the cooperation of trained technicians.

Results of these checks, tabulated by the Automotive Market Research Council, provide "grass roots" insight into the condition of a cross section of our car population.

In October of 1994, 6,569 confirmed inspections took place in 31 cities, with more than 8 out of 10 vehicles found to have some unsatisfactory part, fluid condition or emissions level.

A closer look reveals:

Emissions - Among all vehicles inspected, nearly 20% failed, on average, with one site reporting as many as 48% failed.

Tires - 31% of vehicles failed due to incorrect tire pressure or worn tread.

Windshield Wipers - 14% of vehicles failed due to windshield wiper condition and/or malfunction. 18% had insufficient windshield washer solvent.

Fluids - 16% of vehicles failed due to low or dirty fluids (motor oil, transmission, power steering or brake fluid), an increase of about 20% over the previous 5 year average.

A third of cars 10 years old or older were low on motor oil.

NOTE: 94% of vehicles 10 years old or older needed maintenance, the highest percentage in history of this program.

A typical inspection lane includes checks of lights, windshield wipers, tires, exhaust emissions and other functions affecting the vehicle's safety and performance. It's a volunteer project with no charge for the service.